*'GENEKAL BEM. " 
275 
wMch had sunk into his soul, and so filled it with melody as 
he beat the still air with his gentle wings. 
Then hid away among the bushes which filled one corner, 
we could sometimes catch a glimpse of Bob White, as he 
called his " wife" back from her inquisitive peering at us, and 
the little shore larks who were so shy and gliding, looking 
ever as if some still wave from the sea was chasing them 
higher on the sands, and as if they must in a moment take 
wing, while we gaze steadily to distinguish their rapid quiv- 
ering flight in the sunshine, from the dash of glittering spray. 
But what have we here ? What a lovely figure — what 
perfect plumage ! What do you call this gentleman who 
seems to be protector general of all that crowd of canaries ? 
See ! the scamp has pounced upon that large mocking bird, 
and has sent him screaming in rage across the room. And 
how cool he is ; he evidently does not consider that a great 
feat. What a knowing air he has 1 — ^how, he determines to 
make our acquaintance — to retort to our questionings. We 
beg the honor of an introduction to this extremely nonchal- 
ant gentleman. No ! do not tell me he is called simple 
" Master Cat-Bird " — let me confer upon him his rightful title. 
Henceforth we shall know him as " General Bem " — the 
brave general — ^the magnanimous, the impulsive though calm, 
the handsome, our favorite General Bem. Come here, and 
take this berry in proof that your honors are real, not vision- 
ary, as the world too often makes them. Henceforth thou 
art Bem ! Great Bem — we take thee to our heart and — may 
we be permitted to take him to our home ! 
Well, General Bem went home with us at once, and was 
immediately given his liberty, which he made use of by peer- 
ing into every closet, examining and dragging everything 
from its proper place, which he could manage, pecking and 
squalling, dashing hither and thither, until at night he quietly 
went into his cage as if he was nearly or quite positive that 
he must commence a new career on the morrow ; it was evi- 
dent that he had to begin the world over again, yet, as he 
